Functional analysis of differentially expressed circular RNAs in sheep subcutaneous fat

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as important non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are involved in many biological activities. However, the exact chemical mechanism behind fat accumulation is unknown. In this paper, we obtained the expression profiles of circRNAs using high-throughput sequencing and investigated their differential expression in subcutaneous fat tissue of Duolang and Small Tail Han sheep.

RESULTS

From the transcriptomic analysis, 141 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, comprising 61 up-regulated circRNAs and 80 down-regulated circRNAs. These host genes were primarily enriched in the MAPK and AMPK signaling pathways which is closely associated with fat deposition regulation. We identified circRNA812, circRNA91, and circRNA388 as vital genes in fat deposition by miRNA-circRNA target gene prediction. The functional annotation results of target genes of key circRNAs showed that the signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-Akt and AMPK. We constructed the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to study the role of circRNAs in sheep lipid deposition, and circRNA812, circRNA91, and circRNA388 can adsorb more miRNAs. NC_040253.1_5757, as the source of miRNA response element (MRE) among the three, may play an important role during the process of sheep fat deposition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study gives a systematic examination of the circRNA profiles expressed in sheep subcutaneous fat. These results from this study provide some new basis for understanding circRNA function and sheep fat metabolism.

Genome wide identification and characterization of fertility associated novel CircRNAs as ceRNA reveal their regulatory roles in sheep fecundity

Reproductive traits play a vital role in determining the production efficiency of sheep. Maximizing the production is of paramount importance for breeders worldwide due to the growing population. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as miRNA sponges by absorbing miRNA activity through miRNA response elements (MREs) and participate in ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) to regulate mRNA expression. Despite of extensive research on role of circRNAs as miRNA sponges in various species, their specific regulatory roles and mechanism in sheep ovarian tissue are still not well understood. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing of circRNAs, miRNA and mRNA employing bioinformatic techniques on ovine tissues of two contrasting sheep breeds "Small tail Han (X_LC) and Dolang sheep (D_LC)", which results into identification of 9,878 circRNAs with a total length of 23,522,667 nt and an average length of 2,381.32 nt. Among them, 44 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified. Moreover, correlation between miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA provided us with to prediction of miRNA binding sites on nine differentially expressed circRNAs and 165 differentially expressed mRNAs using miRanda. miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-miRNA pairs with negative correlation were selected to determine the ceRNA score along with positively correlated pairs from lncRNA and mRNA network. Integration of ceRNA score and positively correlated pairs exhibit a significant ternary relationship among circRNAs-miRNA-mRNA demonestrated by ceRNA, comprising of 50 regulatory pairs sharring common nodes and predicted potential differentially expressed circRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs regulatory axis. Based on functional enrichment analysis shortlisted key ceRNA regulatory pairs associated with reproduction including circRNA_3257-novel579_mature-EPHA3, circRNA_8396-novel130_mature-LOC101102473, circRNA_4140- novel34_mature > novel661_mature-KCNK9, and circRNA_8312-novel339_mature-LOC101110545. Furthermore, expression profiling, functional enrichments and qRT-PCR analysis of key target genes infer their implication in reproduction and metabolism. ceRNA target mRNAs evolutionary trajectories, expression profiling, functional enrichments, subcellular localizations following genomic organizations will provide new insights underlying molecular mechanisms of reproduction, and establish a solid foundation for future research. Graphical abstract summarizing the scheme of study.

Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Use of Ulipristal Acetate in Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumor of the uterus that often appear during child bearing ages. Medical treatments are considered the first-line treatment to preserve fertility, avoid or delaying surgery. This randomized control study was carried out in OPD of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh from May 2018 to March 2019 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ulipristal acetate (5mg) once daily in reproductive women with three months treatment courses. Total 52 samples with symptomatic uterine fibroids for treatment course-1, among them 36 were needed for treatment course-2 which was slow or non-responding in treatment course-1. Main outcome measures were amenorrhea, controlled bleeding, fibroid volume, anaemia, quality of life. Sixty one percent (61.0%) of patients were achieved amenorrheic during both treatment courses. Ninety percent (90.0%) patients were control of bleeding during both treatment courses. In treatment course-1, reductions from baseline in fibroid volume were 62.70%, whereas in course-2, reductions in fibroid volume were 75.33%. Five percent (5.0%) of patients were discontinuing Ulipristal acetate due to adverse effects. Renal and liver function tests were performed before and after each course of treatment. The level of creatinine, SGPT in the blood for both treatment courses had no statistically significant effects. Ulipristal acetate may be an alternative to surgical treatment, the safety profiles and prolong effects with improvement of symptoms, quality of life after cessation of drugs. Repeated use of drugs reduces the size and also improves the patient's condition.

The comprehensive detection of miRNA and circRNA in the regulation of intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue of Laiwu pig

circRNAs, as miRNA sponges, participate in many important biological processes. However, it remains unclear whether circRNAs can regulate lipid metabolism. This study aimed to explore the competing endogenouse RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network that affects the difference between intramuscular fat (IMF) and subcutaneous fat (SCF) deposition, and to screen key circRNAs and their regulatory genes. In this experiment, we identified 265 differentially expressed circRNAs, of which 187 up-regulated circRNA and 78 down-regulated circRNA in IMF. Subsequently, we annotated the function of DEcircRNA's host genes, and found that DEcircRNA's host genes were mainly involved in GO terms (including cellular response to fatty acids, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase activity, R-SMAD binding, etc.) and signaling pathways (fatty acid biosynthesis, Citrate cycle, TGF- β Signal pathway) related to adipogenesis, differentiation and lipid metabolism. By constructing a circRNA-miRNA network, we screened out DEcircRNA that can competitively bind to more miRNAs as key circRNAs (circRNA_06424 and circRNA_08840). Through the functional annotation of indirect target genes and protein network analysis, we found that circRNA_06424 affects the expression of PPARD, MMP9, UBA7 and other indirect target genes by competitively binding to miRNAs such as ssc-miR-339-5p, ssc-miR-744 and ssc-miR-328, and participates in PPAR signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, unsaturated fatty acid and other signaling pathways, resulting in the difference of fat deposition between IMF and SCF. This study provide a theoretical basis for further research investigating the differences of lipid metabolism in different adipose tissues, providing potential therapeutic targets for ectopic fat deposition and lipid metabolism diseases.

Identification of potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and the key miRNAs in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important indicator for evaluating meat quality. Breeds with high IMF content are often accompanied by high subcutaneous fat (SCF), severely affecting the meat rate of pigs. Studying the mechanisms of miRNAs related to lipogenesis and lipid metabolism has important implications for pig breeding. We constructed two small RNA libraries from intramuscular and subcutaneous fat to evaluate the patterns of lipogenesis in Laiwu pig, a Chinese breed. A total of 286 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), including 193 known miRNA and 93 novel miRNAs, were identified from two types of adipose. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis for DEmiRNAs showed that their target genes involved in many adipogenesis and lipid metabolism biological processes and signaling pathways, such as Wnt signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Melanogenesis, Signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells and so on. Then, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA interaction network to find out which miRNAs were the key miRNAs of regulation in Wnt signaling pathway. In this pathway, miR-331-3p, miR-339-5p, miR-874 and novel346_mature target PPARD, WNT10B, RSPO3, WNT2B. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the post-transcriptional regulation mechanism of meat quality formation and predicting and treating diseases caused by ectopic fat.

Genome-Wide Expression Profiling and Networking Reveals an Imperative Role of IMF-Associated Novel CircRNAs as ceRNA in Pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is a biological process that has a strong impact on the nutritional and sensorial properties of meat, with relevant consequences on human health. Pork loins determine the effects of marbling on the sensory attributes and meat quality properties, which differ among various pig breeds. This study explores the crosstalk of non-coding RNAs with mRNAs and analyzes the potential pathogenic role of IMF-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in IMF tissues, which offer a framework for the functional validation of key/potential genes. A high-throughput whole-genome transcriptome analysis of IMF tissues from longissimus dorsi muscles of Large White (D_JN) and Laiwu (L_JN) pigs resulted in the identification of 283 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs), including two key circRNAs (circRNA-23437, circRNA-08840) with potential binding sites for multiple miRNAs regulating the whole network. The potential ceRNA mechanism identified the DEC target miRNAs-mRNAs involved in lipid metabolism, fat deposition, meat quality, and metabolic syndrome via the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, concluding that ssc-mir-370 is the most important target miRNA shared by both key circRNAs. TGM2, SLC5A6, ECI1, FASN, PER1, SLC25A34, SOD1, and COL5A3 were identified as hub genes through an intensive protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of target genes acquired from the ceRNA regulatory network. Functional enrichments, pathway examinations, and qRT-PCR analyses infer their implications in fat/cholesterol metabolism, insulin secretion, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Here, circRNAs and miRNA sequencing accompanied by computational techniques were performed to analyze their expressions in IMF tissues from the longissimus dorsi muscles of two pig breeds. Their target gene evolutionary trajectories, expression profiling, functional enrichments, subcellular localizations, and structural advances with high-throughput protein modeling, following genomic organizations, will provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of adipocyte differentiation and IMF deposition and a much-needed qualitative framework for future research to improve meat quality and its role as a biomarker to treat lipid metabolic syndromes.

Genome-Wide Analysis of microRNAs Identifies the Lipid Metabolism Pathway to Be a Defining Factor in Adipose Tissue From Different Sheep

microRNAs are a class of important non-coding RNAs, which can participate in the regulation of biological processes. In recent years, miRNA has been widely studied not only in humans and mice, but also in animal husbandry. However, compared with other livestock and poultry breeds, the study of miRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue of sheep is not comprehensive. Transcriptome analysis of miRNAs in subcutaneous adipose tissue of Duolang sheep, and Small Tail Han sheep was performed using RNA-Seq technology. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened between different breeds. Target genes were predicted, and then the joint analysis of candidate genes were conducted based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Finally, the RNA-Seq data were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Herein, we identified 38 differentially expressed miRNAs (9 novel miRNAs and 29 known miRNAs). In addition, a total of 854 target genes were predicted by miRanda software. GO and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes plays a key role in the deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in Duolang sheep and Small Tail Han sheep. The miRNAs might regulate fat deposits by regulating genes involved in regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. Specifically, NC_ 040278.1_ 37602, oar-mir-493-3p, NC_ 040278.1_ 37521 and NC_ 040255.1_ 11627 might target PTGS2, AKT2, AKT3, and PIK3CA, respectively, and then play critical regulatory role. In conclusion, all the results provide a good idea for further revealing the mechanism of subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition and improving the meat production performance of sheep, and lay a foundation for promoting the development of animal husbandry.

Identification and analysis of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA related to subcutaneous and intramuscular fat in Laiwu pigs

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate adipocyte differentiation and metabolism, However, their function on subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues in pigs is unclear. Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important indicator for evaluating meat quality. Breeds with high IMF content are often accompanied by high subcutaneous fat (SCF), which severely affects the meat rate of pigs. It is of great significance for porcine breeding to study the mechanism of lncRNA related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs in subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues in three female Laiwu pigs by deep RNA-sequencing(|log2foldchange|≥1, P_value ≤ 0.05). The gene expression profiles of IMF and SCF in Laiwu pigs were comparatively analyzed by Bioinformatics methods to identify key lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs associated with lipid metabolism and adipogenesis.

RESULTS

A total of 1209 lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 286 miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 1597 mRNAs (DEgenes) were differentially expressed between two types of adipose. Among them, 17 DElncRNAs and 103 target genes play a role in the co-expression network, as well as 59 DElncRNAs, 44 DEmiRNAs, and 88 DEgenes involved in ceRNA network. In GO(Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis of DElncRNAs their target genes involved in many adipogenesis and lipid metabolism biological processes and signaling pathways, such as PPAR signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

By constructing co-expression and ceRNAs network we found that Wnt signaling pathway play a critical regulatory role in intramuscular adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in Laiwu pigs. TCONS_00006525, TCONS_00046551 and TCONS_00000528 may target WNT5A, WNT10B and FDZ3 in co-expression network, TCONS_00026517 and other lncRNAs regulate the expression of PPARG, RXRG and SCD in ceRNA network, and were involved in Wnt signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the post-transcriptional regulation mechanism of meat quality formation, predicting and treating diseases caused by ectopic fat.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravaginal Misoprostol for Mid-trimester Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Misoprostol has been widely used in Obstetrics and Gynecology for cervical priming, medical abortion and induction of labour. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol in mid-trimester medical termination of pregnancy. This non-randomized clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2007 to June 2008 for a period of one year. Primi- or multigravid women with 13 to 28 weeks of singleton pregnancy, fetal congenital malformation and missed abortion who were selected for medical termination of pregnancy were included in this study. Women with spontaneous labour, low laying placenta, ruptured membrane with or without chorioamnionitis, acute bronchial asthma, glaucoma, history of hypersensitivity of PGs, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac disease, jaundice, renal disease were excluded from this study. The selected patients received 200μg of misoprostol 6 hourly pervaginally upto 48 hours. The outcome variables were induction of delivery time, number of doses within 48 hours, result of induction, surgical evacuation, bleeding after induction, requirement of blood transfusion and Dinoprostone gel; side effect & complication of misoprostol were recorded. A total number of 30 women were recruited for this study. Delivery within 24 and 48hours were 43.3% cases and 38.3% cases respectively. Surgical evacuation was needed in 23.33% cases. Cramping (26.7%), had nausea (10.0%), vomiting (10.0%) and fever (26.7%) were reported. Out of all respondents 90.0% had average and 10.0% had more than average bleeding. For termination of pregnancy 200μg of intravasinat misoprostol are safe and effective in mid-trimester.

Cancer cervix: An uncommon malignancy in Kashmir, India

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of cancers among females with particular emphasis on cancer cervix in Kashmiri population, which is geographically and socio-culturally distinct from the rest of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patient records were screened from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 at Regional Cancer Centre, Srinagar. Most common cancers among females were recorded and analysis of cancer cervix cases was performed.

RESULTS

Female cancers comprised of 40% of total cancers with oesophageal and breast cancer as most common malignancies. Cancer cervix did not figure in top ten cancers and only 45 (0.01%) cases were recorded of the total of 3084 adult female cancers.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that due to different socio-cultural and sexual practices, this cancer is highly uncommon in Kashmir and screening or possibly should be directed specifically at only high risk selective subjects.

Regioselective synthesis and crystal structure of ethyl-4-acetyl-5-((2- ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)thio)-3-hydroxythiophene-2-carboxylate, C13H16O6S2

C13H16O6S2, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.979(1) Å, b = 9.189(1) Å, c = 10.263(1) Å, ɑ = 72.876(2)°, β = 71.485(2)°, γ = 76.655(2)°, V = 674.0 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0360, wRref(F2) = 0.0962, T = 273 K.

Resveratrol protects spinal cord dorsal column from hypoxic injury by activating Nrf-2

Damage from oxidative stress plays a critical role in spinal cord injury. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2) signaling pathway can be activated by cellular oxidative stress. Resveratrol, a plant-derived polyphenolic compound found in red wine, has antioxidant properties. In the present study, we have examined the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol and the role of Nrf-2 in spinal cord hypoxic injury. The spinal cord was removed from adult male Wistar rats from T2-T10 and the dorsal column was used to induce hypoxic injury in vitro with and without treatment with resveratrol (50μM). Significant changes were found in the compound action potential (CAP) of spinal cord dorsal column, and hematoxyline and eosin (H&E) staining showed that resveratrol significantly improved neuronal injury. The biochemical assays showed significant changes in lipid peroxidase (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein carbonyl (PC), mitochondrial ATP content, and mitochondrial Ca(++). Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, we found that after resveratrol treatment during hypoxic injury there was a significant activation of NrF-2 and down regulation of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) content. The results show that resveratrol treatment has neuroprotective effects on CAP, Ca(++) loading, and biochemical parameters after hypoxic injury. The neuroprotective effect is likely to be exerted by increased activation of transcription factor Nrf-2 by resveratrol along with its direct antioxidant effect to ameliorate the oxidative damage and preserve mitochondrial function.

Post-stroke infections exacerbate ischemic brain injury in middle-aged rats: immunomodulation and neuroprotection by progesterone

We investigated the effect of delayed, prolonged systemic inflammation on stroke outcomes and progesterone (P4) neuroprotection in middle-aged rats. After transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO) surgery, rats received P4 (8 or 16 mg/kg) or vehicle injections at 2h, 6h and every 24h until day 7 post-occlusion. At 24h post-injury systemic inflammation was induced by giving three doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/kg, at 4h intervals) to model post-stroke infections. We measured serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and behavioral parameters at multiple times. Serum BDNF levels decreased more in the vehicle+LPS group compared to vehicle-alone at 3 and 7 days post-injury (P<0.05). Vehicle-alone showed a significant increase in interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels at different times following stroke and these levels were further elevated in the vehicle+LPS group. P4 at both doses produced a significant (P<0.05) decline in cytokine levels compared to vehicle and vehicle+LPS. P4 restored BDNF levels at 3 and 7 days post-stroke (P<0.05). Behavioral assessment (rotarod, grip strength, sensory neglect and locomotor activity tests) at 3, 5 and 7 days post-stroke revealed that the vehicle group had significant (P<0.05) deficits in all tests compared to intact controls, and performance was worse in the vehicle+LPS group. P4 at both doses produced significant functional improvement on all tests. Systemic inflammation did not show an additive effect on infarct volume but P4 at both doses showed significant infarct reduction. We suggest that post-stroke infection exacerbates stroke outcomes and P4 exerts neuroprotective/modulatory effects through its systemic anti-inflammatory and BDNF regulatory actions.

2-[(E)-(Naphthalen-2-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol

In the title compound, C(17)H(13)NO, the azomethine double bond adopts an E conformation. The naphthyl ring system and the benzene ring form a dihedral angle of 8.09 (10)°. The near-planar conformation of the molecule is consolidated by an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond, which forms an S(6) ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are arranged in a zigzag fashion parallel to the c axis.

Multiple cavernous haemangiomas of the the orbit and conjunctiva: A rare association

Cavernous haemangioma(CH) is mostly intraconal, single and unilateral in location. A 32 year old female presented with painless progressive growth near the inner canthus of right eye along with swelling of right upper eyelid and superomedial quadrant of the right orbit for five years. MRI showed lesions involving the preseptal space and extraconal compartment of the orbit at the superomedial aspect continous with the conjunctival swelling. Excision biopsy of the growths via anterior orbitotomy (vertical eyelid split technique) was done. Histopathological findings confirmed orbital cavernous haemangioma along with conjunctival CH.

We report a rare case of multiple cavernous haemangiomas arising from the conjunctiva as well as the superomedial orbit. Complete removal of the tumour is possible even in such difficult cases as the CH is totally encapsulated and meticulous surgical dissection can give good cosmetic result to the patient.

2-[(2-Methoxybenzylidene)amino]phenol

In the title compound, C₁₄H₁₃NO₂, the azomethine double bond adopts an E conformation and the benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 77.70 (7)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and arranged in a zigzag fashion, forming infinite chains parallel to the c axis, resulting in a graph-set R₂²(9) motif.

5-(Prop-2-yn-yl)-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C₁₇H₁₃N, contains two independent butterfly-shaped mol­ecules. The seven-membered azepine rings both adopt a boat conformation. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings in the two mol­ecules are 46.95 (11) and 52.21 (11)°.

{2-[(3-Bromo-benzyl-idene)amino]-5-chloro-phen-yl}(phen-yl)methanone

In the title compound, C₂₀H₁₃BrClNO, the azomethine double bond [C=N = 1.246 (4) Å] adopts an E conformation. The bromo- and chlorophenyl rings are inclined to one another by 13.70 (11)°, and form dihedral angles of 76.68 (10) and 74.24 (7)°, respectively, with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form double stranded chains propagating along the b-axis direction.

17-(Pyrimidin-2-yl)-8,16-dioxa-17-aza-tetra-cyclo-[7.7.1.0.0]hepta-deca-2,4,6,10,12,14-hexa-ene

In the title compound, C(18)H(13)N(3)O(2), the benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 78.49 (9)°. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings and the pyrimidine ring are 76.53 (10) and 27.73 (11)°. The two cis-fused six-membered heterocyclic rings adopt half-chair confirmations. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains parallel to the b axis.

{5-Chloro-2-[(2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-phen-yl}(phen-yl)methanone

The title Schiff base compound, C₂₀H₁₄ClNO₂, adopts an E configuration about the azomethine bond. The phenol and chloro­benzene rings form dihedral angles of 84.71 (9) and 80.70 (8)°, respectively, with the phenyl ring and are twisted by 15.32 (8)° with respect to one another. The mol­ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond, which forms an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming columns parallel to the a axis.

{5-Chloro-2-[(4-nitro-benzyl-idene)amino]-phen-yl}(phen-yl)methanone

The mol­ecule of the title Schiff base compound, C₂₀H₁₃ClN₂O₃, assumes an E configuration about the C=N bond. The aromatic rings of the nitro­benzene and chloro­benzene groups are twisted by 13.89 (13)° and form dihedral angles of 76.38 (13) and 84.64 (13)°, respectively, with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked into chains parallel to the b axis by C—H⋯π inter­actions.

3α-Dimethylamino-20-(N-methylacetamido)pregn-5-ene

The title compond, C₂₆H₄₄N₂O, is an steroidal alkaloid isolated from the medicinally important plant Sarcococca saligna. The mol­ecule consists of four fused rings (A–D), having chair, half-chair, chair and envelope conformations, respectively. The dimethyl­amino group is axially oriented on ring A, whereas the (N-methyl­acetamido)­ethyl group is attached equatorially on ring D. The crystal structure is stabilized only by van der Waals forces.

(E)-1-(3-Nitro-phen-yl)ethanone (2-methyl-phen-yl)hydrazone

In the title Schiff base compound, C₁₅H₁₅N₃O₂, the azomethine double bond adopts an E configuration. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 13.4 (12)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are arranged in wave-like layers parallel to (100) without any classical hydrogen bonding.

21-Hydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione

The title compound, C₂₁H₂₈O₃, is a fungal transformed metabolite of decoxycorticosterone acetate, consisting of four fused rings A, B, C and D. Ring A is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.010 (3) Å from the least-squares plane, while the trans-fused rings B and C adopt chair conformations. The five-membered ring D is in an envelope conformation. The orientation of the side chain is stabilized by an intramolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, adjecent mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into extended zigzag chains along the a axis.

3,5-Diamino-4H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ium hydroxonium bis-(pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl-ato)cobaltate(II) pyridine-2,6-dicarb-oxy-lic acid monohydrate

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, (C₂H₆N₅)(H₃O)[Co(C₇H₃NO₄)₂]·C₇H₅NO₄·H₂O, contains a Co^II ion coordin­ated by four O atoms and two N atoms from two dipicolinate ligands in a disorted octa­hedral environment, a protonated triazole mol­ecule, a neutral pyridine-2,6-dicarb­oxy­lic acid mol­ecule, a hydroxonium ion and a solvent water mol­ecule. In the crystal, the components are linked into a three-dimensional framework by inter­molecular O—H⋯O, N—H⋯O and N—H⋯N and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In addition, π–π stacking inter­actions with centroid–centroid distances in the range 3.4809 (7)–3.8145 (6) Å are observed.

Absolute configuration of (2S)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-ol

The title compound, C₁₀H₁₄O₂, was isolated from the chloro­form extract of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to (100). There are weak inter­molecular C—H⋯π inter­actions between the sheets.

A cocrystal of 3α-hy-droxy-tirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid and 3β-fluoro-tirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid (0.897:0.103)

The title compound, 0.897C₃₀H₄₈O₃.0.103C₃₀H₄₇O₂F is a co-crystal of two triterpenes isolated from the resin of Canarium schweinfurthiiand Engl. Both triterpenes consists of four trans-fused rings having chair/half-chair/half-chair and envelope conformations. The mol­ecular conformations are stabilized by intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming rings of S(7) graph-set motif. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O inter­actions, forming sheets parallel to (001). All atoms. excepting the axially-oriented hydroxyl group in the major component and the equatorially-oriented fluorine atom in the minor component, are overlapping.

3,5-Diamino-4H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ium (6-carb-oxy-pyridine-2-carboxyl-ato)(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato)cuprate(II) trihydrate

In the complex anion of the title compound, (C₂H₆N₅)[Cu(C₇H₄NO₄)(C₇H₃NO₄)]·3H₂O, the Cu^II atom is coordinated by tridentate 6-carb­oxy­pyridine-2-carboxyl­ate and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl­ate ligands and is surrounded by four O atoms in the equatorial plane and two N atoms in axial positions in a distorted octa­hedral geometry. In the crystal, the components are linked into a three dimensional network by O—H⋯O, N—H⋯O, N—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and a π–π inter­action with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.6080 (8) Å.

3α-Hy-droxy-tirucalla-8,24-dien-21-oic acid

The title compound, C₃₀H₄₈O₃, a triterpene isolated from the resin of canarium schweinfurthiiand, is an isomer of the previously reported triterpene 3α-hy­droxy­tirucalla-7,24-dien-21-oic acid [Mora et al. (2001 ▶). Acta Cryst. C57, 638–640], which crystallizes in the same trigonal space group. The title mol­ecule consists of four fused rings having chair, half-chair, half-chair and envelope conformations for rings A, B, C and D, respectively (steroid labelling). An intra­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bond generates an S(7) ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O inter­actions, forming (001) sheets.

1,2,4-Trimethoxydibenzo[b,d]furan-3-ol

The title compound, C₁₅H₁₄O₅, is a natural product, isolated from Sorbus lanata Syn. Pyrus lanata (D. Don) found in Pakistan. The compound is composed of three spiro-fused rings. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene rings is 4.81 (13)°. The meth­oxy groups are oriented at dihedral angles of 74.44 (14), 83.0 (2) and 66.3 (2)° with respect to the planes of the benzene rings to which they are attached. The mol­ecule is consolidated by three intra­molecular O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains along the b axis.

1-(2-Methyl-benzo-yl)-3-m-tolyl-thio-urea

The molecule of the title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)OS, is not planar; the two aromatic rings are inclined to one another by 37.59 (9)°. There are intra-molecular hydrogen bonds between the benzoyl O atom and the H atom of the thio-amide N atom, and between the thio-urea S atom and the H atom of the tolyl group. These hydrogen bonds stabilize the mol-ecule in such a way that the thio-urea group adopts a trans-cis geometry. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯S inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric dimers.

2-Methyl-N-[(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)carbamothioyl]benzamide

In the title compound, C₁₅H₁₅N₃OS, the thio­urea group is stabilized by an intra­molecular hydrogen bond between the carbonyl O atom and the thio­amide group. A C—H⋯N intramolecular hydrogen bond is also present. Mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular N—H⋯O and C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds.

N-[(2,4-Dimethyl-phen-yl)carbamothio-yl]-2-methyl-benzamide

The title compound, C₁₇H₁₈N₂OS, adopts a trans–cis geometry of the thio­urea group which is stabilized by intra­molecular hydrogen bonds between the O atom of the carbonyl group and the H atom of the thio­amide group. A C—H⋯S intramolecular hydrogen bond is also present. In the crystal structure, mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular N—H⋯S hydrogen bonds to form centrosymmetric dimers.

Photoangioplasty for human peripheral atherosclerosis: results of a phase I trial of photodynamic therapy with motexafin lutetium (Antrin)

BACKGROUND

In photoangioplasty, light activation of a photosensitive drug offers the potential for treatment of long segments of vascular disease. This is a brief description of a study designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a new photosensitizer, Antrin (motexafin lutetium), in the endovascular treatment of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An open-label, single-dose, escalating drug- and light-dose study was performed in patients with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial insufficiency. Clinical evaluation, serial quantitative angiography, and intravascular ultrasonography were performed. Therapy was well tolerated, and only minor side effects were observed. Treatment produced no deleterious vascular effects. Although this study was not designed to examine clinical efficacy, several secondary end points suggested a favorable therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This phase I study demonstrates that photoangioplasty with motexafin lutetium is well tolerated and safe. Preliminary efficacy data suggest a future role for the treatment of flow-limiting atherosclerosis.

Primary health care in Saudi Arabia: applying global aspects of health for all, locally

Primary health care in Saudi Arabia: applying global aspects of health for all, locally This paper describes the application of primary health care principles in the Islamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It arose from a doctoral supervisory experience on a joint programme for women students, operating between a British and Saudi Arabian University. The research looked at nutritional advice given by diploma-level nurses to pregnant women attending primary health care centres in Saudi Arabia. The supervisor supported research that drew on internationally recognized trends in nursing research (the reflexive learner) whilst attending to local requirements and conventions of the culture. The student was encouraged explicitly to site the research within the framework of Islamic teaching and Saudi culture. The Qur'an was used as an overarching framework within which the tenets of primary health care were explored. This was seen to be crucial in addressing World Health Organisation and the International Council of Nurses' views on contextualizing nursing for the greatest benefit of the population. This was of particular relevance in Saudi Arabia where research carried out in the community by women is novel, and as yet there are no nurse theorists from within Saudi culture.

Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with cancer-related or primary lymphedema

PURPOSE

A prospective evaluation was undertaken to assess the efficacy of intensive, short-term decongestive lymphatic therapy coupled with focused patient instruction in long-term self-care for the management of lymphedema.

METHODS

The therapeutic responses of 79 patients with lymphedema were analyzed prospectively. Each patient received intensive, short-term decongestive lymphatic therapy, with quantification of the extent and durability of the clinical response. Decongestive lymphatic therapy was performed by therapists trained in these techniques. The mean (+/-SD) duration of therapy was 8+/-3 days. Instruction in self-management techniques was incorporated into the therapeutic regimen by day 3 of the patient's treatment. The mean period of follow-up was 38+/-52 days. Changes in the volume of the affected limb were assessed with a geometric approximation derived from serial measurements of circumference along the axis of the limb.

RESULTS

The mean short-term reduction in limb volume was 44%+/-62% of the excess volume in the upper extremities and 42%+/-40% in the lower extremities. At follow-up, these results were adequately sustained: mean long-term excess volume reductions of 38%+/-56% (upper extremities) and 41%+/-27% (lower extremities) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Decongestive lymphatic therapy, combined with long-term self-management, is efficacious in treating patients with lymphedema of the extremity.